Suspected bandits have killed one person and abducted several worshippers, including a pregnant woman and children, during an attack on a church in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack occurred on Sunday at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, where over 50 armed men reportedly stormed the church premises and opened fire indiscriminately.
One worshipper was killed in the process, while more than 20 others were kidnapped and taken to an unknown destination.
Residents said the incident was the second attack on the community in recent weeks.
Bandits had earlier invaded Aiyetoro Kiri, abducting about 50 persons and looting several mobile phones from a business centre, forcing many residents to flee the area for safety.
In a related development, gunmen also launched coordinated attacks on Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area of the state on Monday, leaving several people injured and others abducted.
Eyewitnesses said the attacks began around 4 am and lasted for over an hour, with the assailants striking multiple locations almost simultaneously.
Distress calls made by residents during the attacks were reportedly answered late.
One of the attacks took place in the Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao, an area largely populated by members of the Tiv ethnic group.
Casualties were recorded, while those injured were rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
Another attack occurred near Ilai Grammar School, less than one kilometre from Ilai town, where one person was killed and three others abducted.
Confirming the incidents, the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, expressed concern over the scale of the violence and the delayed response from security agencies.
Traditional rulers and community leaders also condemned the attacks, calling for urgent and decisive action to curb the growing insecurity in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were yet to issue an official statement, as efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, SP William Ayah, were unsuccessful.
